SBEM Calculations
Non-residential compliance
We offer comprehensive SBEM calculations that assist Non-Residential developments in meeting compliance with Part L2 of the Building Regulations.
An SBEM model evaluates a commercial building’s energy consumption, which encompasses heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation, thereby ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and carbon emission targets.
By adopting a proactive, design-integrated approach, project teams receive support from the initial stages to enhance building performance. This strategy not only prevents costly redesigns but also ensures a seamless transition through planning and building control. The outputs are precise, accurate, and consistent with the latest regulatory requirements, effectively minimising project risks.
In addition to SBEM calculations, Overheating Risk Assessments and SAP Calculations can be conducted, together with Water Efficiency Calculations and Energy Statements for Planning to further support overall project compliance.
What are SBEM Calculations?
The Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) is a government approved methodology used to calculate the energy required, under standard occupancy conditions, to heat, ventilate and light commercial properties over 50 sqm. Demonstrating Building Regulations compliance is essential for all new buildings before obtaining permission to build. In commercial properties, compliance with Part L (England & Wales), Part F (Northern Ireland), and Section 6 (Scotland) is established using SBEM calculations.
Various factors are considered in this process, including construction type and specific u-values for walls, roofs, floors, and windows. Additionally, the efficiency of heating and cooling, hot water and ventilation systems, along with other elements affecting energy consumption, are measured.
The assessment follows a two-stage process: the ‘Design Stage’ at the beginning of the Building Regulations application and the ‘As Built’ stage upon completion, when an EPC is issued. SBEM calculations may also be necessary for larger extensions to commercial buildings, extensive refurbishments, or conversions, as well as for the initial ‘fit-out’ of shell & core developments.which is legally required to sell or rent a property in the UK.
How Can We Assist?
- Experienced consultancy providing cost effective and practical solutions
- Part L of the Building Regulations compliance advice and recommendations, where necessary
- Happy to help develop a specification for fabric, heating, cooling, lighting and low carbon and renewable technologies
- Fully accredited and nationwide coverage
- Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times
Initial Assessment
Provide your drawings along with any specific preferences you may have for your development. These will be reviewed, and an initial SBEM assessment will be conducted to evaluate how your proposed specifications align with Building Regulations, specifically in relation to Part L. This assessment will examine the design, layout, building fabric, and systems utilised for heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water, and lighting within the building.
Practical &Cost Effective Solutions
The findings from this initial SBEM assessment will be reviewed, and if necessary, improvements will be identified. Recommendations will be made to ensure that the building achieves compliance with Part L2 of the Building Regulations.
Expert Guidance & Support
Throughout the construction phase, support will be provided to seamlessly integrate energy-saving measures into the delivery process. Finally, upon completion of the build, an ‘As Built’ BRUKL report and an On Construction Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be issued, to reflect the energy efficiency of the building.
Related services
Supporting compliance across the project
Related services include Energy Statements for Planning, Overheating Assessments and SAP Calculations for Part O and Part L of the Building Regulations.
